2021 Toyota 4Runner vs 2022 Kia Carnival

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner, despite its age, maintained a rugged charm that appealed to those seeking a durable and utilitarian vehicle. Its design, unchanged for over a decade, still resonated with buyers who appreciated its timeless styling and practical two-box body. The 4Runner's exterior, with its flared fenders and trapezoidal wheel arches, conveyed a sense of balance and utility. While not conventionally attractive, the 4Runner's design was likened to a reliable tool, one that didn't require frequent updates to remain effective. The Trail Special Edition, priced at $38,565 for the RWD model, offered a unique aesthetic with its dark gray TRD Off-Road wheels and Yakima RoadWarrior rooftop cargo basket, available in limited colors like white, black, Cement, and Army Green.

In contrast, the 2022 Kia Carnival presented a fresh and modern take on the minivan segment, cleverly disguised with SUV-like styling cues. Each trim level of the Carnival had distinct design elements, from the black, toothy grille of the LX to the mirrored grid-pattern grille of the SX. The SX Prestige trim elevated the interior with luxurious features like VIP Lounge Seats and real leather upholstery. The Carnival's design was sharp and angular, setting it apart from competitors like the Chrysler Pacifica and Honda Odyssey. Its interior continued the SUV theme, offering a stylish and upscale appearance even in the base trim. The Carnival's design was both practical and visually appealing, making it a standout in its class.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner was equipped with a 4.0-liter V6 engine producing 270 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque, paired with a five-speed automatic transmission. This setup powered the rear wheels, with the option to manually engage the part-time 4WD system. The 4Runner excelled off-road, thanks to features like A-Trac, a standard off-road traction control system, and optional upgrades like a locking rear differential and Crawl Control. However, on paved roads, the 4Runner felt slow and cumbersome, with heavy steering and clunky handling. Its fuel efficiency was a concern, averaging 16.8 mpg during testing, with an EPA rating of 17 mpg combined.

The 2022 Kia Carnival, on the other hand, featured a new 3.5-liter V6 engine delivering 290 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, driving the front wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Carnival offered a smooth and effortless driving experience, with multiple driving modes including Normal, Eco, Sport, and Smart. While the Smart mode occasionally exhibited delayed downshifts, switching to Sport mode resolved this issue. The Carnival's fuel economy was commendable, averaging 21.7 mpg during testing, close to the EPA's 22 mpg combined rating. The Carnival's handling was taut and athletic, though it could feel stiff over uneven surfaces when lightly loaded.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner offered a high seating position, which could be challenging for shorter passengers without running boards. Inside, the 4Runner provided comfortable seating with ample legroom and good visibility. The optional sliding cargo deck, capable of holding 440 pounds, added versatility to the cargo area, which offered up to 89.7 cubic feet of space with the rear seats folded. The 4Runner's interior was practical, with decent storage options and a back bumper that doubled as a convenient seating area.

The 2022 Kia Carnival excelled in practicality, with a flexible interior layout that accommodated various seating configurations. The LX trim featured captain's chairs with a center pass-through, while higher trims offered an 8-passenger Slide Flex seat configuration. The SX Prestige trim boasted VIP Lounge Seats with power adjustments and an Ottoman-style leg rest. The Carnival's cargo area was spacious, with 40.2 cubic feet behind the third row and up to 145.1 cubic feet with the second-row seats removed. The smart hands-free power-sliding doors and liftgate added convenience, though they could be inadvertently activated.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner Trail Special Edition came with a basic 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering features like Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. The premium audio upgrade added dynamic navigation and voice recognition, enhancing the system's functionality. Despite its simplicity, the infotainment system was user-friendly, with physical buttons and knobs for easy operation.

The 2022 Kia Carnival offered a more advanced technology suite, starting with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system on the LX trim. Higher trims featured a 12.3-inch widescreen system with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, navigation, and UVO Link connected services. The Carnival also included innovative features like Passenger View and Passenger Talk, enhancing communication within the vehicle. The SX trim added a dual-screen rear entertainment system, while the SX Prestige boasted a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and a 12-speaker Bose audio system.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P), which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. However, it lacked blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic warning. The 4Runner's safety ratings reflected its age, with a three-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA and a Marginal rating for small overlap frontal-impact protection from the IIHS.

The 2022 Kia Carnival offered a comprehensive suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS), including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, active blind-spot and rear cross-traffic warning, and lane-keeping assistance. The EX trim added features like front parking sensors and Highway Driving Assist, a Level 2 driving aid. The Carnival also included an ultrasonic rear occupant alert system and Safe Exit Assist, enhancing safety for passengers. Crash-test results were unavailable at the time of review.